Health Advisory
Influenza
To: Health Care Providers, Hospitals, Ambulatory Care Centers
From: Patsy Kelso, State Epidemiologist for Infectious Disease
Date: December 19, 2011
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The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory has reported the first positive influenza PCR for the 2011-12 flu season. Influenza A (H3) was confirmed in an adult from Windsor County. Influenza activity remains low in the United States, with most states reporting sporadic activity.
Information for Health Care Providers: http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/flu/provider.aspx
Links to current clinically relevant influenza information, including:
- 2011-2012 influenza antiviral medications summary for clinicians http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/index.htm
- Vaccine information
- Infection control
Influenza surveillance: Information about Vermont, regional and national influenza activity. This includes laboratory test results from the Vermont Department of Health Laboratory, and trends seen for influenza-like illness visits to selected Vermont hospital emergency departments and outpatient settings. This information is updated each Friday, reflecting the previous week’s activity. http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/flu/flusurveillance.aspx
Surveillance testing: The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory performs influenza testing primarily for public health surveillance purposes to document influenza activity in the community. Influenza RT-PCR testing to confirm influenza and determine type is performed at the Laboratory on Tuesday and Friday of each week, or by prior arrangement. To make arrangements for testing, call the Laboratory at 802-863-7336.